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To celebrate the arrival of a captivating new book Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology, a unique partnership has been formed. The Pokémon Company and the Natural History Museum are opening a temporary store stocked with special merchandise. Enthusiasts can look forward to products like stationery, plushes, and artwork all inspired by the museum's theme. The big draw, however, will be a specially made Pikachu card, given as a free bonus at the pop-up. The store will operate from the physical location to online from January 26 to April 19.

Pokécology That Inspires the Partnership

Pokécology: An Illustrated Guide to Pokémon Ecology is a much-awaited volume packed with beautiful illustrations depicting Pokémon in their wild environments. The concept like what a Pokémon Professor might publish after trainers provide field notes, or a naturalist's journal could have sketched if the Galapagos were populated by flying-types instead of finches. A key appeal lies in the book's serious approach, presenting Pokémon as worthy of scientific study. Writer Yoshinari Yonehara and artist Chihiro Kinoshita each possess doctorate degrees in animal behavior and ecology.

Why This Promo Card Stand Out

The company regularly for The Pokémon Company to release cards for big events or brand collaborations. A lot of these promotional cards typically highlight the iconic mouse Pokémon who serves as the franchise mascot. What distinguishes this new museum card is its distinctly bigger dimensions. While exact measurements have not been publicly disclosed, availability will certainly be strictly limited, and fans limited to only a single card per purchase.

Curbing Speculator Activity

According to an official announcement, a portion of the pop-up items will also be sold beyond the museum walls. However, a wider release will only be specific stores in the United Kingdom. Importantly, collectors cannot purchase the card via the online Pokémon Center. Although reseller interest is a given, the setup suggests they're going to have a difficult time stockpiling large numbers this time around. If you're feeling left out, there is the upcoming fossil-themed display coming to Chicago in the coming months.

"Every penny from purchases made in the museum store and from its web shop, including these items, go toward the Natural History Museum’s charitable mission. That encompasses the research of hundreds of researchers dedicated to scientific inquiry and finding answers to the global ecological crisis," it says.